Painting-machine.



PATENTED AUG. 30, 1904 C. E. BELL.

PAINTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION IILED 21:3. 28, 1903.

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N0 MODEL.

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PATENTED AUG; 30, 1904.

G. E. BELL. PAINTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 2a, 1903.

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PATBNTED AUG. 30, 1904,

C. B. BELL.

PAINTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 2a. 1903.

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'0.E.BBLL.

PAINTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 28, 1903.

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Charles 12.3211 m E WQWMV UNITED STATES Patented August 30, 1904.

PATENT rr cn.

CHARLES E. BELL, OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO DANIEL CAMERON, OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI.

PAINTING-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N0. 768,873, dated August 30, 1904.

Application filed February 28, 1903. Serial No. 145,481. (No model.)

To all whmn it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES E. BELL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Kansas City, in the county of Jackson and State of Missouri, have invented a certain. new and useful Improvement in Painting-Machines, (Case No. 1,) of which the following isa full, clear, concise, and exact description, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings,

forming a part of this specification.

My invention relates to painting-machines, and more particularly to machines for applying and distributing paint on comparatively smallarticles of manufacture as distinguished from paintingmachines adapted to apply paint or other coloring-matter to large areas, such as the surfaces of buildings or bridges.

My invention is particularly well adapted for the application of paint or lacquer to tin cans commonly used for packing and preserving fruits, vegetables, or meats.

In general the objects of my invention are to not only apply paint to the desired objects, but also to uniformly and evenly distribute the paint over the surfaces of such articles.

IVhile my invention may be employed for many purposes, I shall describe an embodiment thereof particularly designed and intended for the application of lacquer to the ends of small cylindrical cans. While it is the purpose of my invention to provide a machine which will apply lacquer to such cans in a manner superior to that in which the same may be economically applied by hand,

it is a further object of my invention to provide a machine which will accomplish the desired result with the greatest possible rapidity. So far as the method of applying the lacquer is concerned, there are two principal steps in the complete operation. One may be described as the mere application of lacquer to the can, and the other as the uniform and even distribution of the lacquer over the surfaces to be coated. The means employed for applying the lacquer may be any wellknown device, such as a brush or sprayer or suitable roller.

The means employed in accordance with my invention for distributing the lacquer over the ends of the cans depends upon the prin- 5o ciples of centrifugal force for its operation. The cans after having been subjected to an application of lacquer by means of suitable rollers or brush mechanism are gripped within the jaws of a suitable centrifugal device, which after gripping the cans causes them to be rapidly rotated, whereby the lacquer is evenly distributed over the ends of the cans and whereby any surplus lacquer is thrown from the cans to be returned to the storagetank from which the lacquer is drawn to feed the brush mechanism.

It is found in practice that the mere application of lacquer to the ends of a can consumes very much less time than is necessary for the proper uniform and even distribution of the lacquer thereon. In any automatic machine it is desirable, if possible, that all the operations be carried out with sufficient rapidity or with sufficient duplication to accommodate the 7 highest speed which can properly be attained in carrying out the shortest operation.

In my improved painting-machine I employ means whereby a plurality of cans may be simultaneously acted upon to distribute the lacquer while the paint-applying mechanism is acting on a single can. In accordance with my invention I provide a rotary drum comprising spiders in which a plurality of centrifugal spinning devices are mounted. The cans after having lacquer applied to their ends are carried between the jaws of one of the centrifugal spinning devices, when it is firmly gripped and then moved away by the rotation of the spider as a whole. The suc- 5 ceeding can is brought between the jaws of the successive spinning device, which replaces that moved away by the rotation of the spider. During a considerable portion of the rotation of the spider each spinning device is given a 9 very rapid rotation, whereby the lacquer applied to the ends of the can gripped by the said spinning device is evenly and uniformly distributed. By thus providing a plurality of spinning devices a number of which are simultaneously operating to uniformly distribute lacquer I find that the total output of the machine may be gaged to correspond with the utmost rapidity with which the lacquer may be applied to the ends of the cans.

My invention will be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation of a machine constructed in accordance with my invention, parts being broken away to more clearly reveal the interior construction. Fig. 2 is a similar end elevation taken in the direction of the arrow 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a central longitudinal sectional view taken on line 3 3 of Fig. 2, some parts being shown in elevation. Fig. 4 is a detail view showing the mechanism on the inside of one of the housings. Fig. 5 is a detail View of the feed-chute.

Similar characters of reference are used to designate similar parts in all of the figures.

l have shown a frame portion 10, in suitable bearings of which is mounted the main driving-shaft 11, to which the driving-wheel 12 is attached. To the upper part of the frame is bolted a housing comprising two substantially circular end portions 13 13. lVithin this housing is rotatably mounted upon a shaft 14 a drum comprising the spiders 15 and 16, each provided with bearings 17, within which are rotatably mounted the spinning-spindles 18. To the inner ends of these spindles are attached the jaws 19, which may desirably be provided with a conical flange portion 20. The spindles mounted within the spider 15 are provided with pulleys 21 21, these pulleys being engaged by a belt 22, passing about the belt-wheel 23 and a counter -shaft pulley. (Not shown.) The pulleys 21 21 are desirably splined upon the spindles 18 18 to permit a relative longitudinal movement.

As will be more fully explained, the painted cans are fed between the jaws 19, which are then brought into contact with these cans. The rotation of the spindles within the spiders causes an even distribution of the lacquer on account of the centrifugal force. The cans are carried from the feeding device during this spinning movement by the rotation of the spiders as a whole. A gear-wheel 24 is keyed to the end of the shaft 14 and is driven through an intermediate gear 25 by the gear 26, keyed to the end of the main shaft 11. It will be noticed that there are eight spinning devices mounted within the spiders 15 and 16. To correspond with this arrangement the ratio of gearing between the gear 24 and the pinion 26 is eight to one, so that eight revolutions of the main shaft 11 cause one revolution of the spiders 15 and 16. The gears 27, 28, 29, and 30 transmit power from the shaft 14 to a shaft 31, upon which is mounted a feed-wheel 32, to the periphery of which are fastened fingers 33. The rotation of the spiders is in the direction indicated by the arrow 34, while that of the feed-wheel 32 is in the direction indicated by the arrow 35. A feed-chute 36 is provided through which cans are fed to the feed-wheel 32. As best illustrated in Fig. 5, the bottom of the feed-chute is provided at its lower end with a suitable slot 37, through which the fingers of the feed-wheel may pass to engage the can 38 at the lower end of the chute. A can picked up by afinger 33 of the feed-wheel 32 is carried from the feed-chute upwardly between a pair of guide-walls 39 39. The lacquei applying rolls 40 40 are each pirotally carried in a fork-shaped carrier-41 which in turn is rotatably mounted in the framepiece 42. This frame-piece 42 is attached to the cross-bar 43 of the frame of the machine. A spring 44 serves to press the roller inwardly toward a can passing between the guidewalls 39 39. A suitable opening is provided in each of the guide-walls, through which a roller may project. The rollers are prcferably covered with some soft spongy material, such as sheepskin from which the wool has not been removed. A feed-tank 45 is mounted near the upper part of the machine, from which the pipes 46 46 lead to the rolls 4O 40. Each of these pipes is provided with a valve 47. by means of which the supply of lacquer to the rolls maybe regulated. A can while being carried between the rolls 4() 40 by a finger 33 of the feed-wheel 32 causes the rotation of the rolls, which at the same time are pressed slightly outward by the interposed can. The surface of the roll, which is saturated with lacquer, coming in contact with the end of the can causes an application of lacquer thereto.

Mechanism to be hereinafter more fully explained is provided, whereby a descending pair of jaws 19 is brought down, one on each side of the can, which has been carried upwardly between the rolls by the feed-wheel. Upon reaching a suitable point near the top of the path of rotation of the feed-wheel these jaws come together to engage a can, which is thereafter carried away by the rotation of the spiders 15 and 16 and during such rotation is given a rapid spinning motion to distribute the lacquer over the ends of the can. It will thus be seen that the main purpose of the feedwheel 32 and its fingers is to carry the cans from the feed-chute between the lacquer-ap plying rollers 40 40 to a point at which the cans are removed from the feed-wheel by the jaws of the spinning devices.

By reference more particularly to Fig. 2 it will be seen that the outer end of each of the spindles 18 is provided with a grooved collar 48. A spring 49 is placed over each of the spindles 18 and being in compression between a collar 50, attached to the spindle and the inner side of the spider, forces the grippingjaw 19 of the associated spindle inwardly in opposition with a corresponding jaw on the spindle mounted in the other spider. A.

The

grooves in the collars on the ends of the spindles engage these segments of the circular tracks 51 51, whereby, starting from a point near the top of their path of revolution, a spindle 18 and the associated jaw 19 move downwardly in their innermost position, due to the expansion of a spring 49. Upon reach ing and engaging the inclined portion 53 of the track 51 the groove in the collar 18 serves to withdraw the jaw 19 from its innermost position against the compression of the spring Upon reaching the end 51 of the track 51 the groove of a collar passes onto the end of a narrow lever 55. The end 5a of the track 51 is placed so that the spindle may be released to engage a can which has been brought by a linger 33 to the upper point in the revolution of the feed-wheel 32. In order that the jaws maynot be too forciblysnapped together, due to the sudden expansion of the springs 19, the lever 55 is provided to let the jaws 19 down easily upon the can to be carried thereby. There is provided a cam 56, mounted upon a shaft 57, having bevel-geared connection with the main shaft 11. A roller 58 upon each of the levers 55 rides upon one of the cams 56. These cams are so shaped as to allow an inward movement of the lever 55 immediately after a grooved collar 48 has passed from the end 54 of the track 51. Thus the jaws 19 are allowed a somewhat retarded inward movement to engage the can which has been brought into proper position by the feed-wheel 32. The can being thus firmly gripped between the jaws 19, due to the compression of the springs 4:9, is carried around by the drum in the direction of the arrow 34:. The belt 22, passing from a counter-shaft pulley overhead around the idler-wheel 23, comes into contact with the pulley-wheels 21, splined on the spindles 18, during a considerable portion of the revolution of the spiders 15 and 16. Thus the spindles, having gripped between them a can, pass around in the direction of the arrow 3 1 until the associated pulley 21 is engaged by the rapidly-movingbelt 22 to cause a rapid spinning motion of the spindles and the can engaged by the jaws 19.

Since the speed of rotation of the spinning spindles is preferably quite highfor example, in the neighborhood of two thousand revolutions per minuteI have found it desirable to provide some means for preventing a slippage between the can and the grippingjaws as the speed of rotation is increased. Such means is provided by the plate 59, which is held in position by the flat elliptic springs 60 60, which exert an inward pressure upon the plate 59 when engaged by the projecting end of a collar 48. One of these plates is provided on the interior of each of the end walls 13 of the housing. The spindles pass between the plates 59 at either end of the drum upon being engaged by the belt 22 to cause a rotation thereof. Thus during the time that the spinning-spindles and an engaged can are brought up to speed there is exerted through the spindles 18 and jaws 19 upon the gripped can an additional pressure, due to the pres' sure of the elliptic springs 60 60, transmitted through the plates 59 59. The plates 59 are not extended beyond the point 61, for the reason that after the cans have been brought up to speed there is no necessity for the additional pressure between the jaws 19. A dischargechute 62 is provided, into the end of which the cans are dropped from the jaws 19 when the spindles 18 are moved outwardly on account of the engagement of the grooved collars 48 with the inclined portions 53 of the tracks 51.

It is desirable that the rotation of the spindles and cans be stopped before the cans are discharged into the chute 62. For the purpose of stopping the rotation of these spindles, therefore, I provideabrake-shoe 63, pivotally mounted on the frame of the machine at 64, a spring and adjusting mechanism 65 serving to press the brake-shoe downwardly upon a pulley 21 passing underneath. Thus after having been engaged by the belt 22 to cause a rapid rotation thereof the pulley passes under the influence of the brake-shoe 63, whereupon the spinning motion of the associated spindles is retarded and brought to a stop. Shortly after passing from the influence of the brake-shoe 63 the jaws 19 are drawn open by the'inclined portions 53 53 of the tracks 51 to discharge the can. The rapid spinning motion imparted to the can while' passing from the feed-wheel 32 to the brake shoe 63 causes the uniform and even distri bution of the lacquer, due to centrifugal force. Small holes 68 are desirably provided in the flange 20 of each of the jaws 19 to permit the escape of excess lacquer which has been applied to the ends of the can.

As a means of safety to prevent any accident due to the catching of the shoulders of the collars 4.8 on the ends of the tracks 51 I provide the inclined guide-pieces 66 66. These guide-pieces perform no useful function unless one of the springs 49 is broken or rendered defective in its operation. Similarly guide' pieces 67 67 serve to prevent a collar catching on the end of a plate 59.

Many modifications in the construction herein particularly described and illustrated will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and I I do not therefore wish to limit myself to the precise construction herein set forth; but,

Having described myinvention, 1 claim 'as" new and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. In a device of the class described, a combination with two substantially parallel-guidewalls, of two idle paint-applying rollers projecting within said walls, and means for causing articles to be painted to travel between said guide-walls in contact with said rollers whereby said rollers are rotated to apply paint to the articles.

2. In a device of the class described, the wheel adapted upon the rotation of said wheel combination with two substantially parallel guide-walls, of an idle mint-applying roller projecting within said walls and means tor causing articles to be painted to travel between said guide-walls in contact with said roller whereby said roller is rotated to apply paint to the articles.

3'. In a device of the class described, the combination with two substantially parallel guide-walls, of an opening in each of said walls, an idle paint-applying roller projecting through each of said openings and means for causing articles to be painted to travel be tween said guide-walls in contact with said rollers whereby said rollers are rotated to apply paint to the articles.

1. In a device of the class described, the combination with two substantially parallel guide-walls, of an idle paint-applying roller of spongy absorbent material projecting through a suitable opening in one of said guide-walls, and means for causing articles to be painted to travel between said. guide-walls in contact with said roller whereby said roller is rotated to apply paint to the articles.

In a device of the class described, the combination with two substantially parallel guide-walls, of an idle paint-applying roller ol. spongy absorbent material projecting through a suitable opening in each of said guide-walls, and means for causing articles to be painted to travel between said guide-walls in contact with said rollers whereby said rollers are rotated to apply paint to the articles.

6. In a device of the class described, the combination with two substantially parallel guide-walls, of an idle paint-applying roller of spongy absorbent material projecting through a suitable opening in each of said guide-walls, means for causing articles to be painted to travel between said guide-walls in contact with said rollers whereby said rollers are rotated to apply paint to the articles, and means li'orteeding paint to said rollers.

7. In a device 01 the class described, the combination with two substantially parallel guide-walls, of a paint-applying roller of spongy absorbent material projecting through a suitable opening in each of said guide-walls, a rotating teed-wheel, a plurality of lingers disposed about the periphery of said wheel adapted upon the rotation of said wheel to carry articles to be painted between said gu idewalls and. in contact with said rollers, and a teed-chute for feeding articles to be painted to said lingers.

8. In a device of the class described, the combination with two substantially parallel guide-walls, of a paint-a plying roller o't' spongy absorbent material projecting through a suitable opening in each of said guide-walls, a rotating feed-wheel, and a plurality of linto carry articles to be painted between said guide-walls and in contact with said rollers.

9. In a device of the class described, the combination with two substantially parallel guide-walls, of a paint-applying roller projecting through a suitable opening in each of said guide-walls, a rotating feed-wheel and a plurality of lingers disposed about the periphery of said wheel adapted upon the rotation of said wheel to carry articles to be painted between said guide-walls and in contact with said rollers.

10. In a device of the class described, the combination with two substantially parallel guide-walls, of an idle paint-applying roller projecting through a suitable opening in one of said guide-walls and a plurality o'finoving lingers each adapted to carry one of the articles to be painted between said guide-walls and in contact with said roller whereby said roller is rotated to apply paint to the articles.

11. In a machine of the class described, the combination with gripping mechanism adapted to grip an article to which paint has been applied, means for causing the axial rotation of said gripping mechanism, and means for causing the bodily movement of said gripping mechanism to carry the can held thereby to another part of the machine.

12. In a machine of the class described, the combination with gripping mechanism adapted to grip an article to which paint has been applied, means for causing the axial rotation of said gripping mechanism, and means for simultaneously causing the bodily movement of said gripping mechanism to carry the can held thereby to another part of the machine.

13. In a device of the class described, the combination with gripping mechanism adapted to grip an article to which paint has been applied, means for causing the axial rotation of said gripping mechanism, and means for simultanecmsly causing the bodily revolution of said gripping mechanism.

1 1.. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a drum, of mechanism mounted on said drum for gripping and axially rotating a can, means for rotating said drum to carry the gripping mechanism to another operative position, and means for discharging the can from said mechanism when in said other position.

15. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a drum, of mechanism mounted on said drum for gri pping and axially rotating a painted can, means for feeding cans to said mechanism, and means for rotating said drum to carry said mechanism and the can held thereby to another part of the machine.

16. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a drum, of mechanism mounted on said drum tor gripping and axially gers disposed about the periphery of said 1 rotatingapainted can, and means for rotating said drum to bodily carry the mechanism and the can held thereby to another operative position.

17 In a machine of the class described, the combination with a drum, of mechanism mounted onsaid drum for gripping and axially rotating a painted can, means for rotating said drum to carry the mechanism and the can gripped thereby to another operative position, and means for discharging the can from said mechanism when in said other position.

18. In a device of the character described, the combination with a rotating drum, of a plurality of mechanisms mounted in said drum, each adapted to grip and axially rotate a painted can, and means for causing the actuation of said gripping mechanisms to grip and discharge cans.

19. In a device of the class described, the combination with a rotating drum, of a plurality of mechanisms mounted in said drum, each adapted to grip and axially rotate a painted can.

20. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a pair of oppositely-disposed jaws for gripping a painted can, means for causing an axial rotation of said pair of jaws, and the can gripped thereby, and means for causing the bodily movement of said jaws with the can to another part of the machine.

21. In a device of the class'described, the combination with a pair of oppositely-disposed jaws for gripping a painted can, of means for causing an axial rotation of said pair of jaws, and the can gripped thereby, and means for causing the bodily revolution of said pair of jaws.

22. In a device of the class described, the combination with a plurality of sets of grip ping-jaws rotatably mounted in a drum, of means for rotating said drum, means for feeding a painted can to a set of said grippingjaws at one place in the revolution of said drum, means for actuating said jaws to grip said can, means for thereafter causing the axial rotation of said jaws and the can'gripped thereby to distribute the paint on said can, and means for thereafter actuating said jaws to release said can.

23. In a device of the class described, the combination with a plurality of sets of gripping-jaws rotatably mounted in a drum, of means for rotating said drum, two substantially parallel guide-walls, twopaint-applying rollers, each projecting through a suitable opening in one of said walls, means for causing cans to be painted to travel between said guide-walls and in contact with said rollers, and for feeding the painted can to a set of said gripping-jaws at one place in the revolution of said drum, means for actuating said jaws to grip said can, means for thereafter causing the axial rotation of said jaws, and the can gripped thereby, to distribute the paint on said can, and means for thereafter actuating said jaws to release said can.

24- In a device of the class described, the combination with a rotating shaft, of two spiders mounted thereon, a plurality of spindles rotatably mounted in each of said spiders, the spindles in each of said spiders being alined with those in the other spider, a gripping-jaw on the inner end of each of said spindles, means for opening each pair of alined jaws upon reaching a certain place in the revolution of said spiders, means for thereupon feeding a painted can between said pair of open jaws, means adapted to cause the closure of said jaws to grip said can, a driving-pulley on each pair of alined spindles, and a driving-belt adapted to be engaged by each of said pulleys during the part of its bodily revolution occurring immediately after the closure of the associated jaws.

25. In a device of the class described, the combination with a rotating shaft, of two spiders mounted thereon, a plurality of spindles rotatably mounted in each of said spiders, the spindles in each of said spiders being alined with those in the other spider, agripping-jaw on the inner end of each of said spindles, spring mechanism on each of said spindles acting to force two alined jaws together, means for opening each pair of alined jaws upon reaching a certain place in the revolution of said spiders, means for thereupon feeding a painted can between said pair of open jaws, means adapted to permit the closure of said jaws to grip said can, a driving-pulley on each pair of alined spindles, and a driving-belt adapted to be engaged by each of said pulleys during the part of its bodily revolution occurring immediately after the closure of the associated jaws.

26. In a device of the class described, the combination with a plurality of sets of gripping-jaws rotatably mounted in a drum, of means for rotating said drum, two substantially parallel guide-walls, a paint-applying roller projecting through a suitable opening in one of said walls, a feed-wheel having tingers adapted upon the rotation of said wheel to engage cans to be painted causing said cans to travel between said guide-walls, and in contact with said roller and to feed the painted can to a set of said gripping-jaws at one place in the revolution of said drum, means for thereafter causing the axial rotation of said jaws and the can gripped thereby to distribute the paint on said can, means for stopping the rotation of said jaws, and means for thereafter actuating said jaws to release said can.

27. In a device of the class described, the i alined with those in the other spider, a gripping-jaw on the inner end of each of said spindles, means for opening each pair of alined jaws upon reaching a certain place in the revolution of said spiders, means for thereupon feedin a )ainted can between said )air of open jaws, means adapted to cause the closure of said jaws to grip said can, adriving-pulley on each pair of alined spindles, adriving-belt adapted to be engaged by each of said pulleys during the part of its bodily rotation occurring immediately after the closure of the associated jaws, and a brake-shoe adapted to engage said pulleys upon disengagement with said belt to stop the rotation of the associated spindles.

28. in a device of the class described, the combination with a rotating shaft, of two spiders mounted thereon, a plurality of spindles rotatably mounted in each of said spiders, the spindles in each of said spiders being alined with those in the other spider, a gripping-jaw on the inner endof each of said spindles, means for opening each pair of alined jaws upon reaching a certain place in the rev olution of said spiders, means for thereupon feeding a painted can between said pair of open jaws, means adapted to cause the closure of said jaws to grip said can. a driving-pulley on each pair of alined spindles, a driving-belt adapted to be engaged by each of said pulleys during the part of its bodily rotation occurring immediately after the closure of the associated jaws, and springmechanism adapted to engage the spindles to exert an inward pressure upon a can at the time of engagement between said belt and said pulley.

29. In a device of the class described, the combination with a rotating shaft of two spiders mounted thereon, a plurality of spin dles rotatably mounted in each of said spiders, the spindles in each of said spiders being alined with those in the other spider, a gripping-jaw on the inner end of each of said spindles, spring mechanism on each of said spindles acting to force two alined jaws together, grooved collars on the outer ends of said spindles, tracks engaged by said grooved collars, said. tracks being formed to cause the opening of each pair of alined jaws upon reaching a certain place in the revolution of said spiders, means for thereupon feeding a painted can between said pair of open jaws, means adapted to permit the closure of said jaws to grip said can, a driving-pulley on each pair of alined spindles, a driving-belt adapted to be el'igaged by each of said pulleys during the part of its bodily revolution occurring immediately after the closure of the associated jaws, a brake-shoe adapted to engage said pulleys upon disengagement with said belt to stop the rotation of the associated spindles, and auxiliary spring mechanism adapted to engage said spindles at the time of engagement of said pulleys with said belt to cause an increased pressure to be exerted between the jaws and the can gripped thereby.

30. In a. device of the class described, the combination with two substantially parallel guide-walls, of means for causing articles to be painted to travel between said guide-walls, means for applying paint to said articles while traveling between said walls, gripping mechanism adapted to grip an article to which paint has been applied, means for causing the axial rotation of said gripping mechanism, means for causing the bodily movement of said gripping mechanism, and means for carrying an article from said paint-applying means to said gripping mechanism.

31. In a device of the class described, the combination with two substantially parallel guide-walls, of a mint-applying roller project ing through a suitable opening in one of said walls, a rotating drum, a plurality of mechanisms mounted in said drum, each adapted to grip and axially rotate a painted can, and means adapted to carry a can between said guidewalls and in contact with said roller, and to said gripping mechanism.

32. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means for applying paintto a can, of a pair of oppositely-disposed jaws for gripping a painted can, means for causing an axial rotation of said pair of jaws, and the can gripped thereby, means for causing the bodily movement of said jaws and can to another part of the machine, and means for conveying a can from said paint-applying means to said gripping means.

33. In a device of the class described, the combination with paint-applying rollers, of means for causing articles to be painted to travel between said rollers, a fork-shaped carrier for said rollers, a frame in, which said carrier is pivotally mounted, and spring means actuating said carrier whereby said rollers are pressed against the articles to be painted.

34. In a device of the class described, the combination with a rotating shaft, of two spiders mounted thereon, a plurality of spindles rotatably mounted in each of said spiders, the spindles in each of said spiders being in line with those of the other spider, a gripping-jaw on the inner end of each of said spindles, means for feeding a painted can between said jaws, means for causing said jaws to come together to grip a painted can and to carry said can to another operative position, means for releasing the can when in said other position, and means for receiving and leading away the released can.

35. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a driving-shaft provided with a driving-wheel, of a drum-shaft provided with a drum, gearing intervening between said driving-shaft and said drum-shaft to drive said drum, alined jaws rotatably mounted at op posite ends of the drum and about the periphery thereof, a shaft carrying a feed-wheel for supplying the articles to be painted to said jaws, gearing interposing between said drum-shaft and said wheel-supporting shaft, means interposed in the path of the articles carried by said feed-wheel for painting said articles, each of said alined sets of jaws being adapted to receive a painted article from said feed-wheel to be carried by said drum to another part of the machine to be delivered, and means for rotating said jaws while they thus carry a painted article.

36. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a driving-shaft provided with a drivingwheel, of a drum -shaft provided with a drum, gearing interveningbetween said driving-shaft and said dru m-shaft to drive said drum, alined jaws rotatably mounted at opposite ends of the drum and about the periphery thereof. a shaft carrying a feed-wheel for supplying the articles to be painted to said jaws, gearing interposingbetween said drumshaft and said wheel-supporting shaft, and means interposed in the path of the articles carried by said feed-wheel for painting said articles, each of said alined sets of jaws being adapted to receive a painted article from said feed-wheel to be carried by said drum to another part of the machine to be delivered.

37. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a rotating shaft, of a spider mounted at each end thereof, stationary end plates disposed at the outside of said spiders, a plurality of spindles rotatably mounted in each of said spiders, the spindles in each of said spiders being alined with those in the other spider, a gripping-jaw on the inner end of each of said spindles, a spring disposed about the spindles between the spiders and the jaws tending to force opposed jaws together, grooved collars on the outer end of said spindles, a segmental circular track secured to each of said end plates and adapted to engage between the flanges of said collars, an offset in said tracks tending to draw said spindles outwardly to distend the jaws upon reaching a certain place in the revolution of said spiders. means for feeding a painted can between each pair of jaws when thus distended, means for releasing the spindlecollars from said track to allow the jaws to close to grip the painted can, a spring-actuated guidingbar for engaging the ends. of the spindles after their release from the tracks to force said jaws together while gripping the cans, said jaws being again distended to release the can upon again reaching the beginning of said tracks, and means for receiving andleading away the released can. i

38. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a rotating shaft, of a spider mounted at each end thereof, stationary end plates disposed at the outside of said spiders,

a plurality of spindles rotatably mounted in each of saidspiders, the spindles in each of said spiders being alined with those in the other spider, a gripping-jaw on the inner end of each of said spindles, a spring disposed, about the spindles between the spiders and the jaws tending to force opposed jaws together, grooved collars on the outer end of said spindles, a segmental circular track secured to each of said end plates and adapted to engage between the flanges of said collars, an ofiset in said tracks tending to draw said spindles outwardly to distend the jaws upon reaching a certain place in the revolution of said spiders, a feeding-wheel provided with can-supporting fingers disposed about its periphery for feeding a painted can between each pair of jaws when thus distended, means for releasing the spindle-collars from said track to allow the jaws to close to grip the painted can, a spring-actuated guiding-bar for engaging the ends of the spindles after their release from the tracks to force said jaws together while gripping the cans, said jaws being again distended to release the can upon again reaching the beginning of said tracks, and-means for receiving and leading away the released can. i

39, In a machine of the class described, the combination with a rotating shaft, of a spider mounted at each end thereof, stationary end plates disposed at the outside of said spider, a plurality of spindles rotatably mounted in each of said spiders, the spindles in each of said spiders being alined with those in the other spider, a gripping-jaw on the inner end of each of said spindles, a spring disposed about the spindles between the spiders and the jaws tending to force opposed jaws together, grooved collars on the outer end of said spindles, .a segmental circular track'secured to each of-said end plates and adapted to engage between the flanges of said collars, an offset in said tracks tending to draw said spindles outwardly to distend the jaws upon reaching a certain place in the revolution of said spiders, a feeding-wheel provided with fingers about its periphery for supporting articles to be painted and for carrying them between the distended jaws, paint-applying rollers disposed in the path of the articles carried by said wheel whereby said articles are painted before reaching the distended jaws, means for releasing the spindle-collars from said track to allow the jaws to close to grip the painted can, a spring-actuated guiding-bar for engaging the ends of the spindles after their release from the tracks to force said jaws together while gripping the cans, said jaws being again distended to release the can upon again reaching the beginning of said tracks, and means for receiving and leading away the released can.

40. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a rotating shaft, of a spider mounted at each end thereof, stationary end plates disposed at the outside of said spiders, a plurality of spindles rotatably mounted in each of said spiders, the spindles in each of said spiders being alined with those in the other spider, a gripping-jaw on the inner end of each of said spindles, a spring disposed about the spindles between the spiders and the jaws tending to force opposed jaws together, grooved collars on the outer end of said spindles, a segmental circular track socured to each of said end plates and adapted to engage between the flanges of said collars, an offset in said tracks tending to draw said spindles outwardly to distend the jaws upon reaching a certain place in the revolution of said spiders, a feeding-wheel provided with fingers about its periphery for supporting articles to be painted and for carrying them between the distended jaws, paint-applying rollers disposed in the path of the articles carried by said wheel whereby said articles are painted before reaching the distended jaws, means for releasing the spindle-collars from said track to allow the jaws to close to grip the painted can, a spring-actuated guiding-bar for engaging the ends of the spindles after their release from the tracks to force said jaws together while gripping the cans, means for rotating the jaws when gripping the can, said jaws being again distended to release the can upon again reaching the beginning of said tracks, and means for receiving and leading away the released can.

&1. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a rotating shaft, of a spider mounted at each end thereof, stationary end plates mounted at the outside of said spiders, a plurality of spindles rotatably mounted in each of said spiders, the spindles in each of said spiders being alined with those in the other spider, a gripping-jaw on the inner end of each of said spindles, springs disposed about said spindles between said spiders and said jaws tending to force opposed jaws to gether, grooved collars on the outer ends of said spindles, a segmental circular traclc secured to each end plate and adapted to engage between the flanges of said collars, an offset in said tracks for drawing said spindles outwardly against the tension of said springs to distend the jaws upon reaching a certain place in the revolution of said spiders, means for feeding freshly-painted articles between the distended jaws just before said collars are to leave said tracks to allow said springs to force the distended jaws together to grip the articles, a lever engaging at its one end a flange on said collars, and a cam engaging the other end of said lever, said cam being adapted to actuate said lever to gradually allow the distended jaws to become closed after said collars leave said tracks.

42. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a rotating shaft, of a spider mounted at each end thereof, stationary end plates mounted at the outside of said spiders, the spindles in each of said spiders being alined with those in the other spider, a gripping-jaw on the inner end of each of said spindles, springs disposed about said spindles between said spiders and said jaws tending to force opposed jaws together, grooved collars on the outer ends of said spindles, a segmental circular tracl: secured to each end plate and adapted to engage between the flanges of said collars, an offset in said tracks for drawing said spindles outmn'dly against the tension of said springs to distend the jaws upon reaching a certain place in the revolution of said spiders, means for feeding freshly-painted articles between the distended jaws just before said collars are about to leave said tracks to allow said springs to force the distended jaws together to grip the articles, a lever engaging at its one end a flange on said collars, a cam engaging the other end of said lever, said cam being adapted to actuate said lever to gradually allow the distended jaws to become closed after said collars leave said tracks, and additional spring means engaging the outer ends of said spindles upon their leaving said tracks for forcing said jaws against the painted article gripped thereby.

a3. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a rotating shaft, of a spider mounted at each end thereof, stationary end. plates mounted at the outside of said spiders, a plurality of spindles rotatably mounted in each of said spiders, the spindles in each of said spiders being alined with those in the other spider, agripping-jaw on the inner end of each of said spindles, springs disposed about said spindles between said spiders and said jaws tending to force opposed jaws together, grooved collars on the outer ends of said spindles, a segmental circular track secured to each end plate and adapted to engage between the flanges of said collars, an olfset in said tracks for drawing said spindles outwardly against the tension of said springs to distend the jaws upon reaching a certain place in the revolution of said spiders, means for feeding freshly-painted articles between the distended jaws just before said collars are aboutto leave said tracks to allow said s 'n-ings to force the distended jaws together to grip the articles, a lever engaging at its one end a flange on said collars, a cam engaging the other end of said lever, said cam being adapted to actuate said. lever to gradually allow the distended jaws to become closed after said collars leave said tracks, a driving-pulley disposed on each spindle, and a belt for engaging said drivingpulleys to rotate said spindles when the jaws thereon have gripped a painted article.

4st. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a rotating shaft, of a spider mounted at each end thereof, stationary end plates mounted at the outside of said spiders, a plurality of spindles rotatably mounted. in each of said spiders, the spindles in each of said spiders being alined with those in the other spider, a grimoing-jaw on the inner end of each of said spindles, springs disposed about said spindles between said spiders and said jaws tending to force opposed jaws together, grooved collars on the outer ends of said spindles, a segmental circular track secured to each end plate and adapted to engage between the flanges of said collars, an offset in said tracks for drawing said spindles outwardly against the tension of said springs to distend the jaws upon reaching a certain place in the revolution of said spiders, means for feeding freshly-painted articles between the distended jaws just before said collars are about to leave said tracks to allow said springs to force the distended jaws together to grip the articles, a lever engaging at its one end a flange on said collars, a cam engaging the other end of said lever, said cam being adapted to actuate said lever to gradually allow the distended jaws to become closed after said collars leave said tracks, additional spring means engaging the outer ends of said spindles upon their leaving said tracks for forcing said jaws against the painted article gripped thereby, a driving-pulley disposed on each spindle, and a belt for engaging said driving-pulleys to rotate said spindles when the jaws thereon have gripped a painted article.

15. In a machine of the class described, the combination with arotating shaft, of a spider mounted at each end thereof, stationary end plates mounted at the outside of said spiders, a plurality of spindles rotatably mounted in each of said spiders, the spindles in each of said spiders being alined with those in the other spider, a gripping-jaw on the inner end of each of said spindles, springs disposed about'said spindles between said spiders and said jaws tending to force opposed jaws together, grooved collars on the outer ends of said spindles, a segmental circular track secured to each end plate and adapted to engage between the flanges of said collars, an offset in said tracks for drawing said spindles outwardly against the tension of said springs to distend the jaws upon reaching a certain place in the revolution of said spiders, a feedingwheel for carrying articles to be painted between the distended jaws as said collars are about to leave said tracks, paint-applying means disposed in the path of the articles carried by said wheel whereby said articles are painted before reaching said jaws, a lever engaging at its one end a flange on said collars, and a cam engaging the other end of said lever, said cam being adapted to actuate said lever to gradually allow the distended jaws to become closed after said collars leave said tracks.

46. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a rotating shaft, of a spider mounted at each end thereof, stationary end plates mounted at the outside of said spiders,

a plurality of spindles rotatably mounted in each of said spiders, the spindles in each of said spiders being alined with those in the other spider, a gripping-jaw on the inner end of each of said spindles, springs disposed about said spindles between said spiders and said jaws tending to force opposed jaws together, grooved collars on the outer ends ofsaid spindles, a segmental circular track secured to each end plate and adapted to engage between the fianges of said collars, an offset in said tracks for drawing said spindles outwardly against the tension of said springs to distend the jaws upon reaching a certain place in the revolution of said spiders, means for feeding freshly-painted articles be-' tween the distended jaws just before said collars are about to leave said tracks to allow said springs to force the distended jaws together to grip the articles, and retarding means for preventing said springs from suddenly closing said jaws.

In witness whereof I hereunto subscribe my name this 25th day of February, A. D. 1903.

CHARLES E. BELL.

I/Vitnesses:

DANIEL CAMERON, ED WV. WINTERS. 

